The Awkward Mom Guide to Holiday Gifting

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 The Art of the Gift Closet + Wrapping Like a Pro

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #BigLotsHoliday #CollectiveBias 

‘Tis the season for awkward social encounters…lots of them. In my world, a casual meet up with a friend or acquaintance can turn into a days-long internal debate about whether to bring a gift.  What if they bring one? What if I bring one, but they don’t?  In the past, you could just write me off as a hot mess, socially impaired mom during the whole month of December. However, this year I’m prepared. I got this.

My secret? The gift closet.

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DIY Cookie Decorating Kit

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If you’re looking to sharpen your baking skills and piping bag prowess or if you’re currently trialing dessert decorating, you may want to try out this DIY cookie decorating kit!

Need a gift for kids who love to frost and decorate? Or how about a parent or grandparent who wants a special activity to do with their kids or grandkids? This cookie decorating kit is the perfect gift to help them create something sprinkled with fun this holiday season. My girls and I recently made one for some very special little neighbors as part of our Random Acts of Kindness challenge this month.

We have been blessed with the most incredible neighbors. Our next-door neighbors, in particular, have helped make our new(ish) house feel more like home.

This cookie decorating kit DIY has everything you need for hours of cookie embellishing and madness. This DIY cookie kit makes no mess at all! Little kids can join any time they want without the hassle of cleaning up after.

As soon as you unbox this holiday cookie decorating kit, you can start furnishing your cookies with various icing colors, designs, and toppings! Get innovative with your family using this cookie decorating kit.

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The kids are always running back and forth between backyards to play, and living near them has meant hundreds of little acts of caring and kindness that mean the world to us.

Our one of a kind cookie kit is perfect for all occasions. From an indoor activity idea because the weather is gloomy outside, a gift for loved ones and friends during Valentine’s day, a special homebaked dessert for a family member’s birthday party, to a simple holiday party at home.

This cookie kit has got you covered! If you ever find yourself muddled in the chaos of a holiday or special occasion, decorating homemade treats for a cookie swap will give you plenty of satisfaction.

Occasionally, embellishing each and every individual cookie may take some time but thanks to the DIY cookie-making kit, your cookies will not only pass but they’ll end up unvanquished at the end of the day!

Great family gift idea: DIY cookie decorating kit. Include sugar cookies or gingerbread, frosting, and sprinkles. #MerryAndBright #ad

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DIY Christmas Ornaments for Kids

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Christmas Crafts You’ll actually want to display

Time to get your craft on! Today I’m excited to share four projects perfect for kids. Even better? They look so good you’ll actually want to display them on the fancy, do-not-touch tree.

Don’t pretend you don’t know what I mean.

These projects are so kid-friendly you won’t have to finish them by yourself. Mom win all around! DIY Christmas Ornaments for Kids: Snowglobes, Christmas Tree Truck, sequins and sparkles. #RollAwayLint #ad

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Countdown to Christmas with 15 DIY Advent Calendars

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Advent Calendar Round-Up

Thanksgiving has passed, and it’s now  socially acceptable to begin the count down to Christmas. But let’s be honest, you’ve secretly been waiting for at least a month. One of the best ways to celebrate the most festive month of the year is with an Advent calendar. Instead of buying a generic version at the grocery store, craft your own calendar,and put it on display. I’ve pulled together a list of 15 of my favorite DIY Advent Calendars to inspire you.

Round-up of Inspiring DIY Advent Calendars | Five Marigolds

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Chocolate Covered Cherry Hot Cocoa

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Winter Picnic Inspiration

When I was in college I used to go to this coffee shop that served a chocolate covered cherry mocha that I loved deeply. That was, ahem, a few years ago, and many miles away, and I’ve never found another coffee shop that can duplicate this dreamy drink. Inspired by the brew I once loved and lost, I created my new favorite hot chocolate: Chocolate Covered Cherry Hot Cocoa.

No, my recipe isn’t for coffee, but dare I say it’s even better?

I bet you’ll never guess the secret ingredient.
Winter Picnic Inspiration: Chocolate Covered Cherry Hot Chocolate

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How to Host the Ultimate Thanksgathering

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This shop, How to Host the Ultimate Thanksgathering,  has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #Prep4Gathering #CollectiveBias

Be the Hostess with the Mostess this Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is just days away, and with it comes the anticipation and joy of the holiday season, and the task of hosting the family gathering.

I think a lot of families, mine included, are a lot like fudge – sweet, with a lot of nuts! It certainly makes for some interesting holidays, but that’s no reason to stress about your upcoming hostess gig.

Prep like a pro with these simple, yet impactful tips for being the hostess with the mostess at your upcoming Thanksgathering celebration.How to host the ultimate Thanksgiving with free printable favor tags | Five Marigolds

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Christmas Chic Girl’s Bedroom

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Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy Bedroom Suite

This year I’ve started getting into the Christmas spirit early. In the past I’ve been a traditionalist – no decorating until after Thanksgiving! However, I have a little girl who loves the decorations even more than I do. So, after years of her asking, I decided this year I’d decorate her bedroom for the first time. And hey – it’s on the second floor so *technically* I’m still in the clear, right?Christmas Chic Girl's Bedroom | Dance of the Sugarplum Fairy Bedroom Suite theme, with pastels, sparkles and sweets.

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10 Christmas Card Ideas You Should Steal + Free Template!

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Awesome Christmas Cards + bonus free template!

I know, I know! Halloween is barely over and I’m already talking Christmas. But it’s already time to start getting plans locked in for Christmas cards!  It happens every year: photographers pack their schedules for the holiday rush as families procrastinate and, inevitably, miss the card ordering window. Keep reading for 10 inspiring Christmas card ideas you should totally steal,  AND a free Christmas Card template to get you started!

  1. Put on your best holiday wardrobe and go for a classic card.

    Free Christmas Card Template + 10 Inspiring Ideas for Christmas Card Photos

    Photo credit: Emily Plunk Photography

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Lazy Mom’s Guide to Year in Review Photo Books

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Holding memories close to our hearts (and hands!)

If you follow me on Instagram, it probably comes as no surprise that I create custom, year in review photo books for my kids each year. I’ve documented my passion for capturing everyday moments, but what good are they on my computer where nobody gets to enjoy them?

Today, I’m sharing the lazy mom’s way to make year in review books.Lazy Gal's Guide to Year In Review Digital Photo Books

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Sweet Potato and Butternut Squash Hash

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ONE RECIPE; A WEEK OF breakfast bowls

Here in the Midwest, temperatures are starting to dip, and we’re starting to pull out sweaters, swap our iced brew for Pumpkin Spice Lattes, and reaching for more cold weather comfort foods.

Lately I’ve really been craving a hot, savory breakfast in the mornings, but it’s just not realistic to cook a proper breakfast while wrangling three kids for school. This week I decided to solve that problem by prepping one of my favorite breakfast recipes for the week: Sweet Potato and Butternut Squash Hash.

This recipe is perfect for the season, with fall flavors like butternut squash and sweet potatoes.I need to do this - make ahead breakfast meal prep. Sweet Potato and Butternut Squash Hash

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Halloween Emoji Nail Art

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Nailed It! Free printable nail art

I’m back with a new Halloween-themed tutorial combining two things I’ve been a little obsessed with lately: emojis + nail decals. Really, who doesn’t love emojis? They’re cute AND a stand-alone language. Keep reading to download your own free emoji nail art printable and learn just how easy this is!What a neat idea! Use tattoo paper to make nail art. Halloween Emoji nails.

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Quick & Easy Game Day Decor

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SCORE POINTS WITH VARSITY LETTER TABLEWARE

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser, MARS. All opinions are mine alone. #ScoreAtCVS #CollectiveBias

Football season is here, and with it, countless Sundays spent gathering with friends for viewing parties. I’ll admit, I’m in this sport for the socializing and snacks, but not the work of prepping treats.

Today, I’m going to show you ridiculously easy ideas for showing up with the most team spirit at your next viewing party. These game day decor ideas are so simple, even the least skilled crafter can pull them off like a pro!

Quick & Easy Game Day Decor #ScoreAtCVS [AD]

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